Growing inspiration at Aggie Days

Winter just doesn’t seem to want to let us go from its icy grip this year, preventing green shoots of spring grass from popping up and keeping buds from the trees. But there is one place where the growing season is getting underway despite the weather – a brand new greenhouse at Stampede Park!

The greenhouse is a new display at Aggie Days, a fun and interactive learning opportunity for Calgary-area kids and their families that runs Wednesday, April 11 to Sunday, April 15. The first three days will see nearly 10,000 students visit the Nutrien Western Event Centre and Agriculture barn with their classes to learn where their food comes from. Over the weekend the event opens to the public, and is expected to welcome as many as 20,000 people each day.

While guests have always had the opportunity to learn about animals and crops that provide our daily nourishment at Aggie Days, the greenhouse is designed to show people how they can grow some of their food at home.

“The goal is to educate Aggie Days guests on the crops that they can produce, and hopefully start some seeds themselves,” says Jane Boyce. Boyce runs a greenhouse operation in the Bragg Creek area, and has been a volunteer with the Calgary Stampede Agriculture Education committee for four years. She’s started and grown many of the plants that will be on display at Aggie Days.

“Cucumber, radish, kale, lettuce, beans and corn. There will be lots of vegetables that have just begun to sprout,” lists Boyce. Some full grown plants will also be on display so that visitors can see the end products. Students will also be encouraged to give growing a go themselves. Thanks to West Coast Seeds, packets of seeds will be sent home with the students.

Did you know?
It’s recommended by Canada’s Food Guide that children aged eight to 13 eat at least six servings of fruit and vegetables per day. The dedicated producers from Alberta and Canada work hard to provide these healthy choices!